PDF Sewing Patterns
Looking for sewing patterns you can start using today? Our PDF sewing patterns are the perfect choice when you want speed, convenience, great value and even more options for your handmade wardrobe.
When you order a PDF sewing pattern from Sew Essential, we’ll email you a link to download it straight away. Print it at home and you can be cutting out your next make within minutes. Prefer your sewing patterns printed on larger sheets of paper? We can print your pattern on high-quality 60gsm A0 paper and post it in a sturdy cardboard sleeve - no taping required and perfect for storing your lovely new pattern.
Why choose PDF sewing patterns?
Sometimes the perfect project just can’t wait. Maybe you’ve found your dream pattern and want to start today. Perhaps you can only find what you're looking for as a PDF, or you live outside the UK and don’t want to wait for delivery. PDF patterns also let you print only the size you need - no more distracting lines from other sizes.
Whatever your reason, our PDF sewing patterns give you the freedom to choose how you sew: download and print at home for instant access, or let us print your pattern on A0 paper for a hassle-free experience.
More choice from independent designers
Our PDF range opens up a new world of independent pattern designers - many of whom release their creations exclusively in PDF format. That means you’ll find fresh designs more often, from quick weekend makes to timeless masterpieces you'll treasure forever.
Digital download: Receive your files instantly via email and print them at home. Once saved, you can reprint them anytime - perfect for sewing another size or variation later.
Printed on A0 paper: We’ll print your pattern on premium 60gsm paper, neatly fold it, and send it to you in protective packaging. You’ll still receive the PDF files by email, so you have a backup copy.
Build your handmade wardrobe faster
PDF sewing patterns mean you can buy today and sew today. Digital patterns arrive instantly in your inbox, so you can get started whenever inspiration strikes. And if you’d rather avoid sticking A4 sheets together, our printed A0 option gives you the best of both worlds - ready-to-use large format sheets plus the original digital PDF for you to download and save for any future projects.
PDF sewing patterns FAQ
► How do I print a PDF pattern at home?
It’s easier than you might think. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free to download), print the test square to check the scale, then print, trim and tape the pages together. Many of our PDFs are layered, so you can choose to print only your size. If it's your first time printing a PDF sewing pattern you might find our helpful article how to print PDF sewing patterns at home article useful
► Are PDF patterns the same as paper patterns?
PDF patterns are digital files you print yourself or you can pay extra for us to print them onto high quality size A0 paper for you (all the options and prices are displayed clearly on our product pages). Paper patterns are pre-printed and ready to cut out. We sell both types of sewing patterns on our site so whatever your preference you can find that perfect pattern. You can also use a projector with some PDF patterns to project cutting lines directly onto your fabric so no printing is necessary. If you'd like to know more about this option you can read our helpful article how to use a projector for sewing patterns.
► What paper size do I need?
Most home printers use A4 paper, so PDF patterns are supplied in ‘tiled’ pages for assembly, you can read more about this in our 'how to print PDF patterns at home' article linked above. Or, choose our print service and receive your pattern printed in A0 format on high quality 60gsm paper. We'll ship it out to you so as soon as you receive it you are ready to go with no need for printing and sticking together.
► Can you get a brand you don’t currently stock?
We’re always expanding our PDF pattern range. If there’s a designer you’d love to see here, get in touch and we’ll add it to our list.
► Where are the instructions?
We email the written instructions with your pattern files. You can print them off at home or view them on your phone or tablet and save on paper!
► Should I trace or cut my PDF pattern?
It’s up to you. You’ll always have the digital file to reprint, but if you cut an A0 print you’ll need to pay for reprinting if you want another untouched copy later.
